By Ife Osemedua
Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has tested positive for COVID-19.
A statement issued in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase, said the status was confirmed after he undertook a Coronavirus test.
Akase said most of the Governor’s close aides had tested positive to the virus in recent weeks, adding that his principal was asymptomatic but undergoing treatment.
He, therefore, urged people who had come in close contact with the Governor to go and have themselves tested.
He said, “The latest result of the governor’s COVID-19 test has returned positive.
“This follows the test results of most of the governor’s close aides who also returned positive in the last few weeks.
“Though the Governor has not shown any symptom of the disease, he has already commenced treatment as prescribed by medical personnel,” Akase said.
He urged residents of the state to continue to observe COVID-19 safety protocols such as wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitisers, regular hand washing and physical distancing.
According to NCDC records, Benue has 749 cases, 196 on admission, 535 persons discharged with 18 deaths.